What are the rules that define a semiconductor?

In summary, the rules for determining which combination of elements are semiconductors include satisfying the octet rule through covalent bonding and having a band gap that is not too wide. The group number can be used as an indicator of the number of valence atoms. However, there are exceptions to the octet rule, such as lead sulfide, and some compounds with wide band gaps, like diamond, can still be considered semiconductors in certain applications. Electronegativity is also a factor to consider.
  • #1
bluejay27
68
3
Hi,

What are the rules that satisfy which combination of elements are semiconductors?

First one is to satisfy the octet rule to form covalent bond. This can be easily checked by looking at the group number, which is indicative of the number of valence atoms.

The other is the electronegativity
Are there any others?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You already noted in one of the numerous other threads you started on this topic that the octet rule is not always fulfilled in semiconductors like lead sulfide.
From the physical definition, a semiconductor must have a band gap. To be a useful semiconductor, the bandgap should not be too wide. This excludes both strongly covalent and strongly ionic compounds, although e.g. diamond is in some applications considered to be a semiconductor with a wide bandgap.
 
  • Like
Likes Devils

1. What is a semiconductor?

A semiconductor is a type of material that has electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. This means that it can conduct electricity, but not as well as a metal, and not as poorly as an insulator.

2. What are the main properties of a semiconductor?

The main properties of a semiconductor include its ability to conduct electricity, its ability to change its conductivity with temperature, and its ability to act as a switch for electronic devices.

3. What are the most common types of semiconductors?

The most common types of semiconductors are silicon and germanium. Other types include gallium arsenide, indium antimonide, and silicon carbide.

4. What are the rules that define a semiconductor?

The rules that define a semiconductor include its band gap, which is the energy difference between its valence and conduction bands, and its doping, which is the intentional addition of impurities to change its electrical properties.

5. How are semiconductors used in technology?

Semiconductors are used in a wide range of technologies, including electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and solar cells. They are also used in transistors, which act as switches in electronic circuits, and in diodes, which are used in rectifiers and voltage regulators.

Similar threads

I Semiconductor is the combination of elements in the groups IV and VI?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
2
Views
1K
I Which are semiconductors in the periodic table?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
A How do acceptor energy levels form in p-doped semiconductors?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
2
Views
2K
What's the chemistry behind a semiconductor?
    • Chemistry
Replies
8
Views
992
Chemistry How do we know ##BF_3## has Lewis structure but ##Al_2S_3## does not?
    • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
630
A Comprehensive book/article on hole-phonon interaction
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
B Why don't solids always stick together?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
5
Views
3K
I Minority charge carriers - what are these?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
2
Views
2K
Why is black phosphorus semiconductor with direct bandgap?
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
1
Views
1K
Covalent bonds in p-type semiconductor
    • Atomic and Condensed Matter
Replies
5
Views
8K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top